Schistosomiasis in Iran, From the Past Till Elimination

Schistosomiasis is a waterborne parasitic disease and the second most prevalent tropical disease after malaria infection. World health organization (WHO) considers it as a neglected tropical disease. Here, we aimed to research the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Iran from the past to the elimination time. For this study, we searched medical databases (PubMed, ISI, Scopus, Iran Medex, and Magiran) from January 1949 to the end of 2012. Keywords were epidemiology, schistosomiasis, Iran, and parasitic infection. On the basis of our results, using a national program for schistosomiasis control based on active and passive case finding, snail control programs, education of people, conducting training courses for health workers, and improvement of water supply for people living in endemic areas, the infection is now eliminated from Iran. Schistosomiasis is one of the major tropical and communicable diseases in the eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). However, today it is eliminated in Iran by schistosomiasis control practices.